Cracked and shriveled aerial roots

[lindasbabies]

Im still having problems with cracked and/or shriveled aerial roots. Does that mean I need to water the orchid more? Keep in mind I’ve had root rot in these orchids and have repotted them with almost no roots. I’d appreciate any advice. The temps here are in the 80 and 90s and so I have the air conditioner on most of the time. The humidity is around 63% on the northern exposure window sill I have them on. With the air conditioner on it is around 71- 73 degrees F. Thanks!

---------- Post added at 01:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------

Oh, and I’m watering around the ages of the pot every 1-2 days with warm tap water

[DirtyCoconuts]

What kind of orchid?

[JScott]

That can tend to happen to aerial roots when humidity is low, but your humidity sounds good. Maybe take a spray bottle and mist the aerial roots a couple time a day? And yes, tell us what kind it is. Maybe even take a picture. A picture will help us more than anything else.

[estación seca]

What kind of orchid?

[Roberta]

Pictures would help!

[lindasbabies]

I’m sorry, all 3 are Phalaenopsis orchids. 2 seem to be minis and the third picture is of my large one that the bottom two leaves are starting to turn dark red at the edges of the tips. Is that anything to worry about? I’ve included some pictures.

[lindasbabies]

I’m really new to keeping orchids. The first one I’ve had for a year and the other two I’ve had for a couple of months

[estación seca]

Roots often get bumped and then break when they hang over the pot. They still function normally. The roots look otherwise fine.

Your plant isn't getting enough water. The leaves have tiny shrivels, and are not smooth shiny green. Splitting leaf tips on any hard-leafed orchid is a sign of not enough water. I would water more frequently.

Phals in large chunky medium can be watered every day when it's warm enough. They prefer moist roots with plenty of air. Most people run into trouble overwatering when the plants are in small-particle medium. The frequent watering fills up the air spaces and roots suffocate.

[Roberta]

I would also suggest the spray bottle. These could no doubt use repotting into pots large enough to accommodate at least some of those roots. Soaking can soften up the roots somewhat, but some just want to stick out, don't try to to force them to do what they don't want to do. If repotting with the roots going into medium, it needs to be well drained - I would suggest medium to large bark. Those would hold enough surface moisture to give the roots "humid air" which is really what they want.

[JScott]

I think the roots look pretty good. Like others said, repot, but leave the aerial roots in the air. Get a spray bottle and mist them a couple times a day, and they'll plump back up. But I don't think you have anything serious to worry about.